Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction.
By Stacey A. Shannon—
COWAN, IN—For senior Brysen Huggins, his time at Cowan Junior/Senior High School has been about sports, leadership and academics. Huggins has been on the baseball team throughout all four years of high school and on the basketball team for two years.
During his freshman year, Huggins was asked to be on the Student Athletic Leadership Team, of which he’s been a part throughout high school. His leadership experience also includes the National Honor Society, where he’s serving as treasurer this year.
The most important skill he’s learned as a leader is to communicate well.
“Without communication anywhere in life, in anything you do, everything can go south very quickly,” Huggins said. “I learned that a lot with playing sports…You’ve got to communicate to actually get things done.”
Aside from sports, Huggins’ communication skills have proven valuable academically as well. He’s taken advanced classes throughout high school, including in English. Over the past year, he’s especially proud of how his writing skills have grown.
“I feel like I found my footing when it comes to English class,” Huggins said. “And I stopped being scared to write things that I want to write.”
Outside of school, Huggins has worked at Daley Apartments since just before his junior year. His job allows him to learn a variety of skills from office work to maintenance. Huggins said many residents are disabled and he’s thankful for the opportunity to help.
His schedule is full between school, sports and work. So, Huggins has learned to make the most of his time during the school day and stays focused on getting schoolwork done in class and in study hall as much as possible.
“I think it’s just valuable to do your work in class when everything’s still fresh and you can remember the best,” he said.
Huggins said after graduation he’ll attend college, but he hasn’t yet locked down a major. Though he enjoys history, Huggins has been trying to explore his interests. This school year, for instance, he’s been helping with technology at school.
While he’d ideally like to attend a historically Black college or university, Huggins said most likely he’ll opt for an Indiana-based university to take advantage of his 21st Century Scholarship.
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